Research & Policy Intern

Research & Policy Intern

Reporting to the Director of Research & Policy, the Research & Policy Intern will utilize research skills to support policy development projects that advance the Project's goal of eliminating racial and economic disparities in Connecticut education funding. The ideal Intern will have strong analytical and research skills, including proficiency or interest in supporting tools such as Excel, and enjoy the interpretation of information and policy issues.

The Research & Policy Intern should be interested in improving how schools in Connecticut are funded as well as generally increasing equity in the education finance space. This position is intended for the entirety of the 2026-27 school year.

Essential Functions

• Conducting literature reviews and performing quantitative and qualitative analyses to support research and policy goals.
• Collaborating with team members on research projects from end to end, including developing research questions and designs; collecting and cleaning data, analyzing data; analyzing policies; surfacing best practices; and presenting findings through written reports and presentations.
• Executing and communicating well-defined analyses in an independent manner.
• Providing support during legislative session by tracking legislation, conducting bill analyses, drafting testimony, and/or researching statutes.
• Documenting tasks, methods, data, and findings to a high level of precision and transferring knowledge to internal team members as needed to ensure accuracy and efficiency in all work.
• Completing an independent research project, aligned to the interests of both the organization and the Intern, that is additive to the Project's mission of eliminating racial and economic disparities in education funding in Connecticut.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university, preference will be given to candidates pursuing a master's degree in public policy, government, economics, business, law, public administration, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to communicate complex, technical information to non-expert audiences.
• Commitment to credible and independent policy research and analysis, and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Interest in education policy and/or public finance.

Learning Opportunities

• Manage and execute an independent research project aligned to the organization's mission and selected by the Intern in collaboration with the School and State Finance Project team.
• Build knowledge of public policy process, education policy, and school finance.
• Gain experience working as part of a collaborative team to accomplish ambitious goals.
• Develop advanced Excel and research skills.
• Learn how to use research and data to help guide decision-making and develop data driven policy solutions at a state level.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described for this position are that of a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Ability to sit and/or for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position. There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.

The job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards and the likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight. Additionally, environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Compensation and Benefits

Location:

Hybrid: remote or organization office at 316 North Main Street, Suite 3, Southington, CT 06489.

Hours:

Part-time position and the schedule is 10-18 hours per week, Monday-Friday, in office 1-2 days per week with remaining time being remote

Compensation:
The starting salary for this position is $20.00/hr to $25.00/hr and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits:
This position is is not eligible for benefits.